Govt says tourism levy to boost product development in the sector

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 10:55:01 +0000

By MUKOSELA KASALWE

REVENUE raised from tourism levy will help boost tourism product development in the Northern and Southern tcircuits of Zambia, says tourism and arts permanent secretary Liya Mutale.

Ms Mutale expressed hope that the tax levy would bring about ideal tourism products which would attract both local and foreign tourists hence earning Zambia more revenue.

She said that tourism levy was a tourist tax which would be applicable to accommodation establishments and event facilities and that funds raised would be directed for research, marketing and promotion particularly in the Northern and Southern tourism circuits of Zambia.

In a speech read for her behalf yesterday, at a sensitisation and awareness workshop, by ministry director Reuben Phiri, Ms Mutale said that ultimate beneficiaries of the levy would be citizens especially in communities where the money would be realised.

‘‘As we forge ahead to implement tourism sector plans as contained in our national developmental plans, the revenue from the tourism levy will be applied towards tourism product development in the Northern and Southern circuits for research, marketing, training,’’ she said.

And the ministry has projected to raise over K 11 million annually in levy collections.

And ZRA director Peter Phiri said that the institution would continue to partner with the Ministry of Tourism to sensitise and provide tax education to the tourism operations as well as general public.

Mr Phiri urged all tourism operators to be tax-compliant by ensuring that they registered, submitted returns and made payment of levy on time.